Endoscopic plantar fascia release via a suprafascial approach is effective for intractable plantar fasciitis

To evaluate the medium-term clinical results of endoscopic plantar fascia release (EPFR) using a suprafascial approach for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Twenty-four feet of twenty-three patients who underwent EPFR using a suprafascial approach were followed up for more than 2 years using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The AOFAS score at final follow-up was compared between patients who participated in athletic activity (group A) and those who were sedentary (group S) and between those with and those without calcaneal spur (group with CS and group without CS, respectively). The ability of patients to return to athletic activity, and if so, the time interval between surgery and return to athletic activity, were investigated in group A. Complications were recorded. The median follow-up duration was 48 months. The mean AOFAS score in all patients increased significantly between before surgery and final follow-up (P